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Calah

Locations
Modern Location Nimrud, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq
Coordinates 36.3467, 43.1522

Geographical Setting

Calah, known today as Nimrud, was a major capital city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire located on the Tigris River.

What is the meaning of Calah in the Bible?

Calah was originally founded as a royal residence by Shalmaneser I in the 13th century BC and later expanded into a grand capital by Ashurnasirpal II in the 9th century BC, featuring extensive palaces, temples, and defensive walls.

SIGNIFICANCE

The archaeological findings at Calah provide concrete historical context for the Assyrian campaigns and royal ideologies described in the books of Kings and Chronicles, illustrating the political and military power that challenged the northern kingdom of Israel.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Calah (located near modern Nimrud, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Calah in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Calah clarify?

Related Topics

LahmamHazar-GaddahKenathBeth-HoglahMaacahBassa

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Calah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/calah/
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